H.R. 181 · In committee · Environmental Protection

To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide that artificially propagated animals shall be treated the same under that Act as naturally propagated animals, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Tom McClintock (R-CA)

What it does

• Require federal agencies to treat artificially propagated animals the same as naturally propagated animals when making ESA determinations such as designating endangered or threatened species.
• Prohibit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service from making distinctions between naturally and artificially propagated animals in ESA determinations.
• Mandate federal agencies to authorize artificial propagation as a mitigation option under the ESA when mitigation is required for any listed species.

Official summary

This bill requires naturally propagated animals (i.e., wild animals) and artificially propagated animals to be treated the same under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). Specifically, distinctions between naturally propagated animals and artificially propagated animals may not be made when the federal government makes determinations under the ESA, such as determinations to designate endangered species, threatened species, or critical habitats. In addition, the bill requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service to authorize the use of artificial propagation of animals of a species when mitigation is required under the ESA. This bill applies to all endangered or threatened species regardless of when they were listed as endangered or threatened.

Latest action

Sep 15, 2026: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 17.

Committee: House Natural Resources